Becoming Mrs. Abbott

by Kiersten Modglin, Angie Kane (Narrator), Ellen Quay (Narrator)

With over 4,000 five-star ratings: The Abbotts have secrets — but murder wasn’t supposed to be one of them. When a brutal killing in their tight-knit community makes Rachael and Caide prime suspects and a chilling tape surfaces, loyalty and trust are tested…

The Abbotts are liars. Their charming façade is far from the chilling reality that exists behind closed doors. But despite their secrets, they aren’t killers...are they?

When a member of their quiet community is brutally murdered, the Abbotts find themselves prime suspects of the crime. The couple is desperate to prove their innocence, but when a tape is discovered with horrifying evidence, everything changes.

With shocking truths beginning to surface, Rachael and Caide must decide just how far they are willing to go to protect those they love. Can they trust anyone around them, including each other? They’re liars, remember?

This book was previously published as If It Walks Like a Killer.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Audible Audio

First published August 8, 2016

About the author

ABOUT KIERSTEN MODGLIN®:

Welcome to the KMod Squad—

The rooms change here.
The house stays the same.

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author known for unique and unforgettable stories that explore the cobweb-filled corners of human nature. Her stories cross genre lines, inviting readers to follow her into psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, romantic thrillers, mysteries, and emotionally driven fiction. Each novel opens another doorway into the KMod Universe, where ordinary people and seemingly harmless decisions unleash blindsiding consequences.

A fiercely independent author, Kiersten has built her career around creative freedom, fearless storytelling, and a direct connection with the readers who have come along for the ride. Her books have sold over three million copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and earned recognition including KDP Select All-Star, ThrillerFix’s Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award, and multiple Silver Falchions.

From the darkest parts of the human mind to stories of resilience, love, and survival, Kiersten’s novels invite readers to explore an ever-expanding world where each story promises to be everything they hope for and nothing they expect. Her readers lovingly coined the name “KMod” early in her career, and it has grown into more than a nickname. It represents a storyteller whose curiosity leads her—and the readers who have joined her—through doors they never expected to open.

Make yourself at home here. Look around. Step into the next room. You never know what’s waiting for you.

Reviews

[Marialyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be disappointing. It was too long, too inconsequential, and included a totally ridiculous court room proceedings.

The Abbotts are basically liars and you know that old fable of the boy who cries wolf, well, perhaps that applies to this story. Once behind their closed door, Rachael and Caide, the Abbotts, are hiding their persona well or so they think. However, when a prominent member of their community is murdered, the cloak of suspicion falls onto them, especially when a what seems to be an incriminating tape is discovered.

Bear in mind that these two people lie like a rug, so can one believe thy are innocent?

The story is inconsistent, events run that either bear no meaning or are ridiculously portrayed. I was indeed happy to be given this story to be listened to and the narrators did a fine job trying to save it, but it just wasn't up to the caliber of what this author has written previously. Sadly, to me, I rated it only two stars.

Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this story.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inconsistent plot line

I did finish the whole book but I had to keep.going back. The timeline was so.inconsistent. Also, as someone who works in the court system this author should really research the legal system if she wants to write about a trial...75% of what she wrote would never happen in a court of law

[Alisonbookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Thrilling and very layered story.
Kade and Rachel Abbott have a strained marriage. With two small children and having to run a house and dance studio, Rachel is fed up.
Kade is never home. Always working late, and Rachel suspects this isn't true.
When Kades mistress is suddenly murdered the police are at the Abbotts door to arrest Rachel.
That's the first twist in this ever twisting book.
The ending was unexpected, and shocking.
Great story by KM. Loves her books so far.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible. The only reason it’s 2 stars instead of 1 is that I actually finished it. The courtroom stuff is absolutely unbelievable. The first time the defendant sees the video of herself committing the crime is during trial? There’s a continuance in the middle for a last-minute (6 week long) psych work up? A second murder charge is just tacked on after that continuance? And there’s no continuance when a long-lost identical twin shows up, and then dies? Give me a break.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love Kiersten Modglin and was excited when I saw this audiobook and was granted a copy to listen to. The short chapters were good at keeping the story moving, but it didn’t move as quickly as I would have liked. I do love that you get the story from so many different perspectives, I think it really makes a story more interesting. I think this book was not one of my favorites because the courthouse scenes didn’t feel realistic to me. I did think he narrators did a great job and I loved that there was a team of them to really bring the characters to life. Rachel and Cade’s marriage hasn’t been great in a while, but they have been hanging on for their two kids. When Cade gives in to the feelings he’s been fighting for a colleague everything changes and nothing in the way you would think it would. The book is very twisty.

[Adrienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually I can suspend disbelief but this book was so far-fetched that my eyeballs nearly rolled back into my skull. It also made me lose faith in my fellow Goodreads reviewers.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love KM’s books, however I could not get over how far fetched the entire trial situation was. Those with even a rudimentary idea of how the justice system works would find this so unbelievably, eye-rollingly inaccurate. Also, I really really hate long lost twins as a plot device.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out strong and slowly lost me….over 11 hours of audiobook. Way too many unnecessary details that could have been cut and nothing would have been lost and it would have saved the book in my opinion. Also, im a huge fan of the author but she really needed to do more research on the court system because it was so way off that between it and the big reveal of the killer this could almost be a fantasy.
Caide and Rachel have been going through the motions in their marriage for a while now. As a result, Caide spends as much time away from home as possible, including flirting with one of the secretaries, Blaire, at his office. When Blaire turns up dead one night, Caide becomes the prime suspect because he was the last one to be seen with her. Then the police show up and arrest Rachel instead. They have video evidence of her leaving the crime scene but Rachel has no memory of even meeting Blaire much less murder in her so how can this be the case?
Now Rachel, her therapist and one of the investigators who actually believes in her have to prove her innocence, but the facts are stacking up against her.
Told from multiple POV this one is a lot to keep up with, especially given IT’s length. Wasn’t a favorite of this author’s but it won’t stop me from reading/listening to her future work because I’ve enjoyed most of her previous books.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.

[Jodi KH · Rating 3 out of 5]

What started out as a great who done it took a crazy turn with an evil twin that plots murders. I was enjoying this book until it went off the rails with too many impossibilities.
In the end the good twin wins her kids & the attorney that defended her. Wish the ending was better… could have been 5 stars.

[Linda (Lily) Raiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title was previously published as If It Walks Like A Killer

The Abbotts are liars. Their charming façade is far from the chilling reality that exists behind closed doors. But despite their secrets, they aren’t killers...are they?

This was an 11 hour audiobook - much longer than what Kiersten normally brings out - With a full cast of 8 brilliant narrators, I still flew through it.

Read the synopsis, don’t read it … but definitely read this book! Another total thriller by the queen of twists!

The audio was wonderfully narrated and totally addictive.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @dreamscapemedia for an ALC

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Mrs. Abbott was narrated by Ellen Quay, Angie Kane, Pete Cross, Pat Grimes, Chris Lutkin; Stephanie Willing, Qarie Marshall and Sarab Kamoo. They were all amazing and this audiobook was 11 hours and 19 minutes.
This was interesting and intense like all of Kiersten Modglin books but it felt different to me. I cared more in this one and also hated more! KG writes moving, shocking novels that will make your mind race.
I highly recommend.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via NetGalley.

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good!

I've heard so many good things about Modglin's book for quite some time, but my TBR pile and list were so big I had decided to chip away on those before picking up one of her books. Well, wow...I wish I hadn't waited.
The character development is great. Writing style is easy to read, but very articulate. Chapter lengths are perfect. The twists are huge. It isn't the 'oh here's a big twist' that leaves you saying, 'well, okay, that's a big twist'...but it makes no sense and is completely improbable and there are a million plot holes. Modglin's twists makes sense because there is so much back story, and plot, and the weaving is impeccable. She brings a whole new level of writing to psychological thrillers. I can't wait to jump right into the next one.

[daniela weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

too many third person 
perspectives and a lot of 
red herrings just to finish 
with a bow to the oldest 
trick in the book. :/

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lives of Caide and Rachel Abbot look perfect, but as they say looks can be deceiving. From all accounts the two were college sweethearts, but beneath that facade is a marriage of convenience. Rachel is a wonderful mother to their two children, but her marriage is falling apart around her - no thanks to Caide's long working hours and his possible mistress. When Caide's co-worker is found bludgeoned to death at their work's ladies room, he finds himself a suspect, but tables are soon turned and all the evidence is pointing to Rachel. Could Rachel have been capable of committing this crime out of anger? She swears up and down she's innocent, and the only person in her corner is her lawyer but can he keep his emotions out of the trial?

This story really had me guessing! It was one of those books that once it hooked me I had to stay up to finish to know what had happened. Kudos to Ms. Modglin for creating such a thrilling book! The book is told through multiple viewpoints, which was used to its advantage. There were a couple times a random person narrated that took me out of the book, but these were short chapters and didn't affect the story much. I rated this book four out of five stars and would definetly read more!

[Meleaha Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caide and Rachael are married with two young children. To anyone looking, they appear happy. But when you look beneath the surface, things aren't as they appear. Caide is involved with his secretary, Blaire. When she is killed at their place of employment, suspicion automatically falls on Caide. It is only when video tapes come out that it comes out it wasn't Caide, but Rachael that killed Blaire. The only problem, Rachael swears she is innocent.
This book takes you on a roller coaster of twists and turns. Is Rachael guilty? Is she lying? OR, is she truly innocent of this crime?
I really enjoyed this story, and can't wait to read more in this series!

[Patty U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Don't believe what you read. Nothing is as it seems. This book has so many twists and turns and revelations that leave you questioning just what the hell is going on. An awesome read. I could't put it down. How do you dispute damning evidence on a video tape. Do you accept the fact you are going to prison for killing your husband's mistress even though you believe you didn't do it?

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. The short chapters and multiple perspectives were great. There are a lot of characters! I did not guess what was happening so it did surprise me. Solid book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

The full cast that reads this audiobook is amazingly talented! They really took a story that could have easily fallen flat if read the wrong way and made it compelling and hard for me to turn off at any point in the book! The story had me on the edge of my seat throughout and I love how I didn’t see any of the major twists coming. It turned out completely different than I predicted! If you love psychological thrillers and suspense, be sure to give this book a try!

[Brittney Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this at all. I won’t give up on this author yet.

[Dwon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced audio book in exchange for an honest review!
This just took the #1 spot for my favorite book by Kiersten Modglin! Family drama, murder, and so many twists you will not see coming. Ending was brilliant!
I especially loved that this audio book had a full cast. A different narrator for each different POV and this story had several.
Go read (or listen) now!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twisty Queen!

[Aggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed. So many gaps. Absurd circumstances. It was unputdownable though. Will not recommend this 19-hour listen.

[Ashley G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved The Arrangement series so much I couldn't wait to start another book by the same author.

Unfortunately, this one missed the mark.

The Abbots are only married because Rachel got pregnant unexpectedly. Their relationship had nearly run its course and they have been unhappily married ever since.

Mr. Abbot (Caide) is in love with a coworker and not willing to be strung along anymore she is leaving the company. Which is just the push he needs to finally sleep with her and declare his love.

What would have come next will never be known because the, now mistress, is murdered the next day.

Having been caught on tape Rachel is arrested for her murder. Only, she didn't do it. So then who did?

Okay huge spoilers ahead. ⚠️

You've been warned

One night in a bar many years ago Caide Abbot told a woman he loved her when he was drunk and she believed he meant it sincerely. She spent the next years looking for the only person who has ever loved her and now she's going to take out whoever is in her way of being the next Mrs. Abbott. All she has to do is frame his wife for murder.

Easy enough because she is the switched at birth identical twin of Rachel.

The twist was such a let down for me.

KM books are easy reads though and I plan on reading a bunch more of her books. I really like this author

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of Kirstin Modglin books that I’ve read and I don’t think I will be reading anymore. Too many great books are waiting for me to read. I’m so disappointed.

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read and thought the audio was well done. I do want to note this is the author’s first book and was originally published under the title If it Walks Like a Killer. While this is not my favorite of the author’s books, it was a enjoyable overall and kept my attention the entire time. The narrators did a great job with the story and its multiple POVs. The short chapters helped but it was a little lengthy and moved slow in some parts. I want to get through all of her books as she is a favorite of mine, and was glad I read this one.

Thank you to Dreamscape Medina for the ALC to review.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and could not put down. From the first page to the last, I was so immersed in the intensity of this domestic suspense/courtroom procedural and had zero idea how things would conclude. I was simply along for the ride and I loved it.

While I understand the criticism that some of the court procedures might not have been represented with the utmost accuracies, it was a whole lot of fun to see Modglin’s typical psychological thriller enter a courtroom and loved the extra element of tension it created.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

[McKenna Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes this book! 😳 loved it! Can’t wait to read more by this author!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by KM, this one hurt my brain trying to figure out what was going on, and I never did!

Rachel Abbott is a wife and mother to two young children, but when a woman her husband works with ends up murder she finds herself arrested accused of the crime! The evidence that is stacked against her is damning, everything points to her being the killer, there is no other explanation, right?

This was slightly longer than this authors usual books but I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to keep working on her backlist!

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Mrs. Abbott by Kiersten Modglin — oh boy, this one was wild! A woman is found dead at her husband’s workplace, and Rachael quickly becomes the prime suspect. Her face is caught on camera leaving the building where the murder happened—and to make things worse, it turns out her husband was having an affair with the victim. As the evidence stacks up, Rachael struggles to prove her innocence... but how can she, when no one believes her—and even she starts to doubt herself?